Joe Smith: House Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits for the Jobless

The unemployment rate rises every day as we continue to trudge through what has become a Great Recession.  No one is immune from the effects of this serious downturn.  In fact, I'm sure you have several friends and even family members who have lost their jobs recently.

In effort to aid citizens who are out of a job, HCS HB 1544, sponsored by Representative Fisher, R – Richards, was passed through the House this week.  This substitute extends the state's eligibility to receive federal extended unemployment benefit money to provide jobless Missourians compensation beyond the current unemployment benefit period that ended December 5, 2009.

The state is eligible to receive this money until the week ending four weeks prior to the last week of unemployment for which 100% federal sharing is available under the provisions of the federal economic stimulus act. This will give our citizens more time to look for work, while still being able to provide for themselves and for their families.

In the House, we are doing everything we can to kick-start job creation and Economic Development in our state.  In the meantime, however, we must take the necessary steps to help those who are trying to get back on their feet.